Real Madrid have found an affordable young CB in Ligue 1

Real Madrid may have interest in signing another young center back, but they’ll need to focus on affordability in the new transfer market.

Last summer, Real Madrid purchased Eder Militao for a cool 50 million euros from FC Porto, and the young Brazilian center back is off to a positive start at the Santiago Bernabeu. He impressed fans with his composure, aerial defending, and ability to cut out long-range passes with ease.

However, Los Blancos would still like more depth at the center back position with an eye to the future, as Nacho Fernandez’s days are numbered and Sergio Ramos may only have a couple of years of top-flight football left in him.

Real Madrid were linked to RB Leipzig superstar Dayot Upamecano and have been linked to even bigger names like Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, but due to COVID-19, they will need to be even more cautious with their spending.

Per a report from Carlos Forjanes of AS, Real Madrid have identified young Lille center back Gabriel as a potential option.

Gabriel is the latest Lille youngster on Los Blancos’ radar, as center midfielder Boubakary Soumare and striker Victor Osimhen are also potential targets. Last season, Gabriel joined Osimhen and former Bayern Munich player Renato Sanches as star performers for the team.

According to WhoScored.com, Gabriel recorded 1.7 tackles per game and 3.3 clearances per game. The 22-year-old stood out alongside the experienced Jose Fonte, and he looks like a future star in Ligue 1.

AS writes that Gabriel is valued at around 20 million euros, which could be less than half of the price Leipzig would ask for Upamecano. While Gabriel isn’t quite the player, especially with the ball at his feet, that Upamecano is, he’s a talented young center back in his own right. Most importantly, Los Blancos could make the move for him.

So add Gabriel to Mohammed Salisu as two rising center backs in European football worth Real Madrid’s attention this summer.